Brackets for Bustos, in Chippendale Drawings, Vol. I 1754

This pen and ink drawing by Thomas Chippendale, a prominent 18th-century English furniture designer, showcases three intricate designs for "Brackets for Bustos," intended for supporting sculptures. The delicate, rococo-inspired flourishes and elaborate details, characteristic of Chippendale's style, are evident in these carefully rendered designs. This work is part of a larger volume of Chippendale's designs, "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director," which served as a source of inspiration for furniture makers throughout the 18th century. This particular drawing, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic vision that characterized Chippendale's work, making it a treasured example of 18th-century decorative arts.